How Does Steinbeck Present The Theme Of Loneliness In Of Mice And Men

The Inconspicuous Destruction of Isolation
‘“But not us! An' why? Because ... because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that's why”’ (Steinbeck 14). In the book, Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck tells the journey of two best friends, Lennie and George, as they chase the American Dream. The author uses their relationship to highlight the importance of friendship in overcoming hardships. Throughout this novel, Steinbeck explores the theme of loneliness in a time when it is prevalent due to the Great Depression. Crooks personifies these themes through the physical segregation and emotional isolation he experiences, which ultimately leads to a decline in his mental health. Through Crooks' experiences, Steinbeck highlights

The other workers segregate Crooks and he has to live by himself in the barn. Crooks’ living space can be described as “On one side of the little room … a narrow plank door leading into the barn. Crooks’ bunk was a long box filled with straw on which his blankets were flung” (Steinbeck 66). This quote describes Crooks’ living space as a small, cramped room lacking comfort and basic amenities. In addition to being separated from the other workers, Crooks also lives in a significantly less comfortable space than the other workers who share a communal bunkhouse. This description emphasizes the contrast between Crooks’ living conditions and those of the other workers and further highlights the discrimination and mistreatment he faces. In his bunkhouse, he tells Lennie, “‘I ain't wanted in the bunkhouse, and you ain't wanted in my room”’ (Steinbeck 68). This quote shows the hostility that has developed between Crooks and the other workers on the ranch due to the lack of respect and equality between them. This hostility quickly leads to isolation for Crooks and makes him feel less wanted than the other workers on the ranch. The feeling of unworthiness is a symptom of low self-esteem, which directly correlates with his poor mental

When Lennie enters his bunkhouse, Crooks say’s, “‘You got no right to come in my room”’ (Steinbeck 68). This quote shows how the other workers do not respect Crooks’ personal space or belonging. They do not see him as an equal, which dehumanizes him and reinforces the racism that’s transpiring during this time. This continuous dehumanization has caused Crooks to “He has reduced himself to nothing. There was no personality, no ego–nothing to arouse either like or dislike” (Steinbeck 68). The quote shows that the other workers have dehumanized Crooks so much that he has lost his sense of self. Crooks has been reduced to merely a tool on the ranch rather than a person with feelings and